2018 BMW i3S revealed

Powered up model heads facelifted i3 line-up

2018 BMW i3S revealed

28 August 2017Greg Kable

BMW has unveiled the i3s, an updated version of its three-year-old electric-powered hatchback featuring a more sporting appearance, added reserves and an upgraded wheel and tyre package. Planned for sale by the end of 2017, it heads a new four-model strong facelifted i3 line-up set to make its public debut at the upcoming Frankfurt motor show.

Central among the changes brought to the new i3s is a more powerful synchronous electric motor. With 135kW and 270Nm of torque, the rear mounted unit is tuned to deliver 10kW and 20Nm more than the in-housed produced motor used by the standard version of the facelifted i3, which continues to produce 125kW and 250Nm.

Both new i3 models deliver drive to the rear-wheels via the same a fixed ratio gearbox. But while the standard i3 runs restyled 19-inch wheels shod with the same 155/70 profile low rolling resistance as the original model launched in 2014, the new i3s comes with larger 20-inch alloys and wider 195/50 profile rubber.

With the larger wheels and greater levels of standard equipment, the i3s tips the scales 20kg above its standard sibling at 1265kg. However, its added power and torque sees it hit 100km from standstill in 6.9sec versus the claimed 7.2sec for the standard i3. The new range topping i3 model also reaches a higher limited top speed of 160km/h against the 150km/h of its less powerful sibling.

2018 BMW i3s Photo: supplied

In a bid to improve its agility, BMW has provided the i3s with a 40mm wider rear track. It is combined with a sport suspension featuring a 10mm lower ride height than the standard i3, together with uniquely tuned springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. Further changes are concentrated at the dynamic stability control system, which receives new software that is claimed to provide it with faster and improved response to a loss in traction.

Another new feature is the sport driving mode that allows the driver to call up more direct properties for the steering and throttle.

The new i3 and i3s use the same 94Ah lithium ion battery that was introduced as a running change to the zero-emission BMW in early 2016. With a capacity of 33.2kWh, it is claimed to provide both models with a maximum range of between 235 and 255km on the new WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle) test procedure cycle. This is down from the 300km claimed for the pre-facelifted model on the older but less representative NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) test.

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As with the facelifted version of the standard i3, the new i3s also comes with an optional range extender in the form of a rear-mounted 647cc two-cylinder petrol engine. Bringing an additional 120kg to the kerb weight, it acts purely as a generator, providing electrical charge to the floor mounted battery when required.

The stylistic changes brought to the facelifted i3 are relatively subtle. Included among the mid-life makeover is a new front bumper. It features greater structure and dispenses with the round outboard high beam lights for new thin line LED units that act as blinkers. The headlamps have also been upgraded with LED functions for both the dipped and high beam. The new model also features a black roof, revised sills, lightly altered tail lamps graphics and a revised rear bumper.

On top of this, the i3s gains subtle wheel arch flares as well as blue highlights within the bumpers and along the sills.

Inside, the 2018-model-year i3 receives revised trims and upholstery together with a new 10.3 inch infotainment display featuring a new tile based operating system.

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Drive Comments

Sidney Mincing | 2017-08-29 09:46:45

OK so it has a maximum range of 255km but since this is a HYBRID and NOT an electric vehicle, what kind of a charge does this 647cc cotton reel put into a depleted, or nearly so, battery, and what additional distance will it achieved? What size PETROL tank does it have, and since it's merely a battery charger, how much total charge based on tank capacity can it achieve? Is the figure INCLUDED in the 255km max, or can the vehicle travel further, and by how much?. Plenty of info missing on this ugly little brute.

Selector 2 | 2017-08-29 22:19:20

Concise analysis Sidney, hear hear.

DJM61 | 2017-08-30 22:11:03

Should the article be in quotes given it appears to be from the press release? Other sites suggest the range quoted is with the two-cylinder petrol engine generator and that the 0-100 figure for the i3s is 0.8 sec longer due to the increased weight (120kg).